Hochstuhl (2237 m)

My favourite place is always in the mountains. Not only do I feel like I have achieved something when I am on the top, but the views are breathtaking.

Austria has a lot of amazing mountains to explore and many via-ferrata paths. After doing a few via-ferrata I find it easier than hiking up a mountain, maybe because you use the entire body and not only your legs.

This time we went to Hochstuhl (2237 m) which is on the border between Austria and Slovenia. It was another place we visited because I needed to gain driving experience. I must say it was quite an experience, especially driving a bit through the forest on no pavement to get to the parking spot. D was not too happy with my driving, but considering the road, I think I did ok.

[Hochstuhl]

The hike started with a bit of tension, it was not clear exactly where the via-ferrata path begins, and I thought we went on the wrong path and had an argument about it. But we did finally found our way there. One a short part of the hike to the via-ferrata, we hiked together with a German guy. He went ahead on the via-ferrata and we were hoping to meet him again on the top, but he was gone. I guess we were a bit slow, taking our time and enjoying the lovely view.

[first view]

Once on the top, you can see Slovenia and Bled. My Bled photo is not the best. Unfortunately, my camera objective is not the best. All the way up there we were by ourselves, met nobody else. It felt good having the mountain only for ourselves. We did see several people hiking from Slovenia to a nearby mountain peak, but not to Hochstuhl.

[Bled]

[Slovenia]

[Austria]

[us and Hochstuhl]

The entire hike was actually quite long, the via-ferrata is not very long. Still, every time you think you are done, there is another part and another and another….

After our short break on the top, we headed back, to discover an unexpected valley of just rocks and some patches of pretty flowers, no grass or green areas. I totally did not expect this part. The hike was just full of surprises.

[Stoney valley]

[Bye, bye stoney valley]

Once you pass the stony valley, the green mountains greet you again. We had a quick stop at the Klagenfurter Hut and enjoyed the view of the mountains. On the last part, we even meet some happy cows.

[last view of this pretty area]

[happy cows]

If you ever go to this part of Austria, I totally recommend this hike. There is also a path to Hochstuhl as a typical hike, not via-ferrata. The views are just worth it.